Ask Ralph - Tax Questions

A recent study taken by American workers found that only 11% of the respondents were able to complete all of their given tasks within the workday. A startling statistic, but one that rings understandable to most of us. On today's show, Ralph outlines some strategies for reducing delay, procrastination and time-wasting at work that you can take with you through life. Submit your questions or ideas for future shows, tweet us at @askralphmedia or email us at askralph@askralphmedia.com . Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter (@askralphmedia) or visit www.askralphmedia.com for more information. To schedule a consultation with Ralph's team or to schedule your tax preparation appointment, contact him at 302-659-6560 or go to www.askralph.com for more information. Check out this episode!

The American tax system operates on a "pay as you go" basis, meaning, the IRS wants taxes paid as you earn your income, not after. For employees, this means payroll withholding. For retirees, this means opting for withholding on Social Security and retirement distributions. For the self-employed or operator outside of normal withholding system, this can mean making estimated tax payments throughout the year. On today's show, Ralph discusses how to calculate and when to pay your estimated taxes.   Submit your questions or ideas for future shows, tweet us at @askralphmedia or email us at askralph@askralphmedia.com . Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter (@askralphmedia) or visit www.askralphmedia.com for more information. To schedule a consultation with Ralph's team or to schedule your tax preparation appointment, contact him at 302-659-6560 or go to www.askralph.com for more information. Check out this episode!

When filing a joint federal tax return, the law holds you and your spouse jointly responsible for the entire tax liability. What this means is that the IRS may collect the tax due from the both of you or either one of you, and is true regardless of future divorce or separation. In some instances, you can file for what is referred to as innocent spouse relief with the IRS. On today's show, Ralph discusses why innocent spouse relief may be an option, how to file and what it can mean for your federal tax liability. Submit your questions or ideas for future shows, tweet us at @askralphmedia or email us at askralph@askralphmedia.com . Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter (@askralphmedia) or visit www.askralphmedia.com for more information. To schedule a consultation with Ralph's team or to schedule your tax preparation appointment, contact him at 302-659-6560 or go to www.askralph.com for more information. Check out this episode!

Ever wonder how you and your household compares with spending to the average American? We all know what the biggest expenses, i.e. housing, groceries, utilities and health insurance. But variations in these core expenses and a wide range of others varying based on your location, age and other demographic groups. On today's show, Ralph talks spending and how average Americans push their pennies! Submit your questions or ideas for future shows, tweet us at @askralphmedia or email us at askralph@askralphmedia.com . Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter (@askralphmedia) or visit www.askralphmedia.com for more information. To schedule a consultation with Ralph's team or to schedule your tax preparation appointment, contact him at 302-659-6560 or go to www.askralph.com for more information. Check out this episode!

As Tax Day inches closer and closer, it can be tempting to rush through your tax returns while preparing, but we urge you, that could be a bad idea. Rushing tends to result in mistakes, over justifications, lapses and a wide array of errors that can slow the processing of your tax return, resulting in delayed tax refunds or worse, a second glance from the IRS. On today's show, Ralph outlines 4 foul proof tips for avoid some of the most common mistakes this filing season. Submit your questions or ideas for future shows, tweet us at @askralphmedia or email us at askralph@askralphmedia.com . Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter (@askralphmedia) or visit www.askralphmedia.com for more information. To schedule a consultation with Ralph's team or to schedule your tax preparation appointment, contact him at 302-659-6560 or go to www.askralph.com for more information. Check out this episode!

Are your personal finances a highly-organized, well-oiled machine? Or is there a lot of room for improvement? The answer to that question is more important than you might think, especially during tax time. Most people anxiously await a big check from Uncle Sam in April, but it turns out a giant tax refund might not be so great after all. On today's show, Ralph discusses the pros and cons towards getting a big refund at tax time! Submit your questions or ideas for future shows, tweet us at @askralphmedia or email us at askralph@askralphmedia.com . Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter (@askralphmedia) or visit www.askralphmedia.com for more information. To schedule a consultation with Ralph's team or to schedule your tax preparation appointment, contact him at 302-659-6560 or go to www.askralph.com for more information. Check out this episode!

More than 50% of taxpayers hire a professional to prepare their taxes. With that being said, hiring a profession doe not absolve you of your legal responsibility for what is on your tax return. Mistakes and their consequences are the responsibility of the individual, married couple, or business whose name appears at the top of the return. On today's show, Ralph reviews his tips for picking the best tax preparer this filing season!   Submit your questions or ideas for future shows, tweet us at @askralphmedia or email us at askralph@askralphmedia.com . Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter (@askralphmedia) or visit www.askralphmedia.com for more information. To schedule a consultation with Ralph's team or to schedule your tax preparation appointment, contact him at 302-659-6560 or go to www.askralph.com for more information. Check out this episode!

You are required to file a federal income tax return if your income is above a certain level. That level varies quite a bit, depending on your filing status, your age and the kind of income you’re reporting. On today's show, Ralph outlines whether or not you need to file a tax return this 2019 tax season. Submit your questions or ideas for future shows, tweet us at @askralphmedia or email us at askralph@askralphmedia.com . Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter (@askralphmedia) or visit www.askralphmedia.com for more information. To schedule a consultation with Ralph's team or to schedule your tax preparation appointment, contact him at 302-659-6560 or go to www.askralph.com for more information. Check out this episode!

Home ownership is a lifelong dream for millions, and one that comes with its own unique set of pleasures and challenges. But for all the true benefits of homeownership, there are an equal number of myths about what it is like to own and maintain property. On today's show, Ralph debunks some important home ownership myths you need to know! Submit your questions or ideas for future shows, tweet us at @askralphmedia or email us at askralph@askralphmedia.com . Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter (@askralphmedia) or visit www.askralphmedia.com for more information. To schedule a consultation with Ralph's team or to schedule your tax preparation appointment, contact him at 302-659-6560 or go to www.askralph.com for more information. Check out this episode!

Did you know that the Ask Ralph podcast is available to download directly from Apple Podcasts? Got to your Apple Podcast app and search "Ask Ralph" today. Catch up on episodes, subscribe for new content ever week, and rate us to let us know how we are doing! Link: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-ralph/id1301508993?mt=2  Check out this episode!

You have started a business and you aren't making a profit. You've heard that the IRS won't accept business deductions if it considered your business a "hobby", but what it the truth? On today's show, Ralph discusses how the IRS distinguishes between legitimate business and hobby activities, for the purpose of taxes and what that means for you. Submit your questions or ideas for future shows, tweet us at @askralphmedia or email us at askralph@askralphmedia.com . Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter (@askralphmedia) or visit www.askralphmedia.com for more information. To schedule a consultation with Ralph's team or to schedule your tax preparation appointment, contact him at 302-659-6560 or go to www.askralph.com for more information. Check out this episode!